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CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol 2019 Apr 13. Epub 2019 Apr 13.

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

Avelumab, a human anti-PD-L1 IgG1 antibody, has shown efficacy and manageable safety in multiple tumors. A two-compartment population pharmacokinetic model for avelumab, incorporating intrinsic and extrinsic covariates and time-varying clearance (CL), was identified based on data from 1827 patients across 3 clinical studies. Of 14 tumor types, a decrease in CL over time was more notable in metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, which had maximum decreases of 32. Read More

Oncologist 2019 Apr 8. Epub 2019 Apr 8.

Medical Oncology Department, University General Hospital of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive, primary cutaneous neuroendocrine tumor that typically presents as an indurated nodule on sun-exposed areas of the head and neck in the white population. Major risk factors include immunosuppression, UV light exposure, and advanced age. Up to 80% of MCC are associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus. Read More

Surv Ophthalmol 2019 Mar 11. Epub 2019 Mar 11.

Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA; Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA. Electronic address:

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive tumor of both epithelial and neuroendocrine origin that carries a mortality rate of up to 40%. MCC tumors typically present as painless, expanding nodules on the sun-exposed skin areas of older, white patients. Eyelid and periocular tumors comprise approximately 2. Read More

Semin Radiat Oncol 2019 04;29(2):171-179

Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Electronic address:

The two types of nonmelanoma skin cancer most apt to metastasize to lymph nodes are cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and Merkel cell carcinoma. The clinical impact of nodal metastases of these cancers is substantial, resulting in intensification of treatment and morbidity and worsened cancer outcomes. Exact best practices are challenging to define as many specific clinical scenarios remain incompletely catalogued, characterized, or studied. Read More

Eur J Cancer 2019 Mar 22;109:21-27. Epub 2019 Jan 22.

Medical Oncology Department, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria la Princesa, HU La Princesa, Madrid, Spain. Electronic address:

Background: Cancer immune therapy has shown remarkable benefit in the treatment of a range of cancer types, although it may initiate autoimmune-related disorders in some patients. We have attempted to establish whether the incidence of irAEs after the use of anti-PD-1 antibodies nivolumab or pembrolizumab in advanced malignancies is associated with anti-PD-1 treatment efficacy.

Patients And Methods: We studied patients treated with single-agent nivolumab or pembrolizumab for advanced cancer. Read More

Cureus 2018 Nov 14;10(11):e3589. Epub 2018 Nov 14.

Radiation Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, CAN.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous neuroendocrine tumor arising predominantly on sun-exposed skin among the elderly. The most common location is the head and neck, followed by the extremities. MCCs are highly aggressive tumors and rarely undergo spontaneous regression. Read More

Oncol Lett 2019 Feb 27;17(2):1768-1776. Epub 2018 Nov 27.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, D-66421 Homburg, Germany.

Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is a rare mesenchymal tumor with predominance in older male patients located mainly in chronically UV-exposed skin. Differentiation from clinically more aggressive pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) is still under debate and immunohistochemical markers are not available yet. An immunohistochemical study, including 41 cases of AFX was conducted to investigate the expression of 3q encoded oncogene in AFX and determine the associations with histomorphologic, clinical and viral parameters. Read More

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2019 Feb 21;276(2):613-617. Epub 2018 Dec 21.

Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

Purpose: Approximately 20% of cancers are estimated to have a viral etiology. We aimed to investigate whether DNA of 8 human parvoviruses [bocavirus 1-4 (HBoV1-4), parvovirus B19 (B19V), protoparvoviruses (bufa-, tusa-, and cutavirus)] and 13 human polyomaviruses (HPyV) can be detected in oropharyngeal and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC/OSCC), and in juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) tissue samples.

Methods: Fresh samples of seven JNA tissues and ten paired tissues of OSCC/OPSCC tumor and adjacent healthy tissues were collected. Read More

Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 2019 Feb;27(1):131-138

Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, 1500 East Medical Center Boulevard, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. Electronic address:

Radiotherapy plays a role in the definitive or adjuvant management of early and late stage skin cancers including nonmelanoma basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma. The role of radiotherapy in skin cancers of the head and neck is reviewed including early and advanced-stage nonmelanoma skin cancers, melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma. In particular, the indications, oncologic outcomes, and technical aspects of radiotherapy for these diseases are discussed. Read More

Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 2019 Feb;27(1):1-13

Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University, St Joseph's Hospital, 268 Grosvenor Street 2nd Floor, London, Ontario N6A 4V2, Canada.

This article reviews the most common nonmelanoma skin cancers affecting the head and neck region. Although the most common of these malignancies rarely result in mortality, local morbidity caused by the tumors and their extirpation cannot be underestimated. Complete tumor extirpation with pathologically confirmed negative margins is the gold standard. Read More

Arch Craniofac Surg 2018 Sep 20;19(3):205-209. Epub 2018 Sep 20.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ajou University Hospital, Suwon, Korea.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon neuroendocrine cutaneous tumor with poor prognosis. It has the high rate of recurrence, mortality, regional nodal involvement, and distant metastases. It is difficult to diagnose MCC because of its non-specific clinical findings. Read More

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2018 Dec 28;275(12):3059-3066. Epub 2018 Sep 28.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.

Purpose: No imaging algorithms for diagnostic imaging in patients suffering from Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) have been established so far and thus staging work-up is challenging. Long presentation-to-treatment intervals determine further treatment course and, consequently, have an impact on clinical outcome in patients with MCC.

Methods: In this retrospective study, diagnostic imaging of 37 MCC patients was analyzed. Read More

Ann Surg Oncol 2018 Oct 2;25(11):3334-3340. Epub 2018 Aug 2.

Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.

Background: Guidelines regarding specific resection margins for primary Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) are not well established. The current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend 1- to 2-cm resection margins. This study aimed to determine the impact of margin width on local recurrence (LR), disease-specific survival (DSS), overall survival (OS), and type of wound closure. Read More

Clin Otolaryngol 2018 10 30;43(5):1335-1344. Epub 2018 Jul 30.

Department Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the expression of 15-lipoxygenase-1 (ALOX15) in primary tumour specimens predicts lymph node metastasis and subsequently clinical outcome in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) patients.

Methods: A retrospective medical chart review of 33 patients was performed between 1994 and 2014. Eleven out of 33 (33%) Patients with primary MCC stages I and II were categorised as group I. Read More

Georgian Med News 2018 May(278):68-71

1Department of Dermatology and Allergology; 2Institue of Pathology "Georg Schmorl", Städtisches Klinikum Dresden, Academic Teaching Hospital of the Technical University, Dresden, Germany.

Cutaneous polypoid melanoma is an uncommon subtype of malignant melanoma. The clinical behavior of this subtype has been described as aggressive. Tumors can be sessile or pedunculated. Read More

J Surg Oncol 2018 Jun 22;117(8):1768-1775. Epub 2018 May 22.

Departement of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin.

Aim: To describe clinical outcome and prognostic factors of MCC patients in two expert-centers.

Method: Patients with histologically confirmed MCC in 1990-2014 were included. Read More

Clin Geriatr Med 2018 05 17;34(2):245-258. Epub 2018 Feb 17.

Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Head and Neck-Microvascular Surgery, Clinical Affairs, Indiana University School of Medicine, Fesler Hall, 1130 W. Michigan Street, Suite 400, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.

Cutaneous malignancy of the head and neck affects a large proportion of elderly patients. The severity ranges from small, easily treatable lesions to large, invasive, potentially metastatic tumors. Surgical treatment is the primary treatment of most skin cancers; however, geriatric patients are more likely to have multiple comorbidities that increase the risk of surgery. Read More

Head Neck 2018 08 23;40(8):1676-1684. Epub 2018 Mar 23.

Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.

Background: Patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma are treated similarly to small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Poly ADP-ribose polymerase-1 (PARP1) is overexpressed in SCLC and response to PARP inhibitors have been reported in patients with SCLC. Our study explores PARP as a therapeutic target in Merkel cell carcinoma. Read More

Indian J Pathol Microbiol 2018 Jan-Mar;61(1):101-102

Department of Pathology, SRL Reference Lab, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, clinically aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin; MCC is 40 times less common as compared to melanoma. The most frequently reported sites have been the head and neck, extremities, and trunk. Potential mimics include malignant melanoma, lymphoma, or metastatic small cell (neuroendocrine) carcinomas. Read More

Indian J Surg Oncol 2018 Mar 12;9(1):110-113. Epub 2017 Feb 12.

Department of Surgery, K.S Hegde Medical Academy, Mangalore, India.

Merkel cell carcinoma is a primary neuroendocrine tumour of the skin arising from the dermis and extending into the subcutis, occurring commonly in sun-exposed areas of the head and neck of the elderly. Clinically, non-specific erythematous or violaceous firm nodules or small plaques which may be surrounded by small adjacent satellite tumours are seen. Diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma is difficult by light microscopy alone and need of ancillary techniques like electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry may be necessary. Read More

Head Neck Pathol 2018 Mar 20;12(1):13-21. Epub 2018 Mar 20.

Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., Campus Box 8118, St. Louis, MO, USA.

Salivary neuroendocrine carcinomas are rare and the overwhelming majority is high-grade. The parotid gland is the most commonly involved site followed by the submandibular gland. Most arise de novo but rare examples occurring as a high-grade transformation of another type of salivary gland neoplasm exist. Read More

Surg Oncol 2018 Mar 2;27(1):44-53. Epub 2017 Dec 2.

Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, New south Wales, Australia.

Metastases to the parotid gland are the commonest cause of parotid malignancies in many regions of the world including Australia. The most common etiology of these metastases is head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNcSCC) followed by melanoma of the head and neck. This article focuses on the management of the aforementioned pathologies including Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Read More

Laryngoscope 2018 08 4;128(8):1862-1866. Epub 2018 Jan 4.

Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.

Objectives/hypothesis: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine neoplasm of the skin. Growing evidence supports the benefit of postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) for locoregional control, but whether it improves overall survival (OS) has been debated. Our objective was to compare the OS of MCC patients who received postoperative RT with those who received surgery alone. Read More

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2018 Feb 2;125(2):126-139. Epub 2017 Dec 2.

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.

Objective: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous malignancy with a high recurrence and mortality rates. More than half of MCCs occur in the head and neck region. This paper aims to present a retrospective case series study of primary MCCs of the head and neck treated in our department over 12 years. Read More

An Bras Dermatol 2017 May-Jun;92(3):386-388

Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA) - Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil.

Merkel cell carcinoma is an uncommon neuroendocrine carcinoma with a rising incidence and an aggressive behavior. It predominantly occurs in older patients, with onset occurring at a mean age of 75-80 years. Recognized risk factors are ultraviolet sunlight exposure, immunosuppression, and, more recently, Merkel cell polyomavirus. Read More

Oral Oncol 2017 11 4;74:111-114. Epub 2017 Oct 4.

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA; Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA; Department of Surgery, Overton Brooks Veterans Affairs Hospital, Shreveport, LA, USA. Electronic address:

Ann Oncol 2018 01;29(1):71-83

Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Genentech Research and Early Development, South San Francisco, USA.

Checkpoint receptor blockers, known to act by blocking the pathways that inhibit immune cell activation and stimulate immune responses against tumor cells, have been immensely successful in the treatment of cancer. Among several checkpoint receptors of immune cells, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), T-cell immunoglobulin-3 (TIM-3) and lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3) are the most commonly targeted checkpoints for cancer immunotherapy. Six drugs including one CTLA-4 blocker (ipilimumab), two PD-1 blockers (nivolumab and pembrolizumab) and three PD-L1 blockers (atezolizumab, avelumab and durvalumab) are approved for the treatment of different types of cancers including both solid tumors such as melanoma, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, bladder cancer and Merkel cell cancer as well as hematological tumors such as classic Hodgkin's lymphoma. Read More

Med Dosim 2018 Spring;43(1):69-73. Epub 2017 Oct 12.

21st Century Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Fort Lauderdale, FL.

When contemplating how to treat head and neck primary cancers and regional lymph nodes with radiotherapy, we often select the contemporary intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) without much consideration of older methods that may give fewer side effects and be more cost-effective. For an 87-year-old female with a 1.5-cm Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) located 1. Read More

Clin Otolaryngol 2018 04 19;43(2):678-682. Epub 2017 Oct 19.

Department Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Head Neck Pathol 2018 Jun 4;12(2):279-285. Epub 2017 Oct 4.

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon relatively aggressive neuroendocrine dermal neoplasm first described in 1972 as a tumor of the sun exposed skin. Although most MCC affect the skin of the head and neck, rare primarily oral mucosal cases have been documented. Merkel cells are nondendritic neuroendocrine cells that are found not only in the skin but also the oral mucosa and give rise to MCC. Read More

J Med Virol 2018 02 20;90(2):344-350. Epub 2017 Oct 20.

Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.

Recent studies show that the human Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) may be involved in causing cancer. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of MCPyV on the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In total, 50 paraffin-embedded HNSCC biopsy samples and 50 adjacent non-cancerous samples were evaluated for the presence of MCPyV DNA and RNA. Read More

J Craniofac Surg 2017 Nov;28(8):e722-e725

*Head and Neck Departement, University of Naples Federico II, Naples †Neurosurgery Departement, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to report management and outcomes in patients affected by eyelids carcinomas involving regional lymph nodes.

Methods: We have retrospectively analyzed the data of patients affected by eyelids carcinoma with nodal involvement. The clinical records of 10 patients with malignant eyelid carcinoma and regional nodal metastasis treated between September 2011 and March 2015 have been analyzed. Read More

PLoS One 2017 1;12(8):e0180426. Epub 2017 Aug 1.

Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of MCPyV in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) primaries versus lymph node metastasis and to evaluate possible prognostic factors.

Methods: Samples of MCC primaries and lymph node metastases were stained immunohistochemically for the MCPyV large T-antigen and expression was compared to patients´ clinical outcome.

Results: 41 MCC patients were included. Read More

Ann Surg Oncol 2017 Oct 31;24(11):3430-3437. Epub 2017 Jul 31.

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany.

Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive tumor that often occurs in the head and neck region. Because of these features, the classifications and diagnostic and treatment regimens are frequently modified. Especially in the anatomically complex head and neck region, it is crucial to be aware of the current recommendations for diagnostics and treatment of MCC to ensure appropriate treatment. Read More

Adv Radiat Oncol 2016 Oct-Dec;1(4):244-251. Epub 2016 Oct 20.

Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.

Purpose: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and often aggressive skin cancer. Typically, surgery is the primary treatment. Postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) is often recommended to improve local control. Read More

Curr Oncol Rep 2017 Sep;19(9):57

Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Unit 1445, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.

Purpose Of Review: Recent advances in the treatment of eyelid tumors have centered on the excision, evaluation of margins, role of sentinel lymph node biopsy, and adjunctive/adjuvant systemic and radiation therapy. The purpose of this review is to elaborate on these advances.

Recent Findings: Mohs excision of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma continues to provide the greatest success in complete excision of the cancer, especially in those cases of high-risk disease including medial canthal location and recurrent disease. Read More

Actas Dermosifiliogr 2017 Nov 18;108(9):818-826. Epub 2017 Jul 18.

Servicio de Dermatología, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, España; IBSAL Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, España.

The eighth edition of the staging manual of the American Joint Committee on Cancer incorporates important changes in the classification of skin cancers. Coming 40 years after the first edition, the latest manual preserves its specific system for Merkel cell carcinoma and takes into account recent publications on the prognosis of squamous cell carcinoma by defining a completely new T category for this neoplasm. Staging for squamous cell carcinoma considers head and neck tumors (excluding the eyelid) and does not offer solutions for other sites except the vulva, penis, and perianal region. Read More

Acta Oncol 2018 Mar 15;57(3):320-323. Epub 2017 Jul 15.

c Department of Otolaryngology , University of Florida College of Medicine , Gainesville , FL , USA.

Purpose: To report the outcomes of patients with previously untreated cutaneous Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) managed with curative intent.

Material And Methods: Between December 1984 and August 2015, 59 patients with previously untreated cutaneous MCC were managed with curative intent with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy (54 patients) or radiotherapy alone (5 patients) at the University of Florida. Primary sites included head and neck (45 patients), extremities (11 patients) and trunk (3 patients). Read More

Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2017 08 2;36:17-24. Epub 2017 Jun 2.

San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.

Cancer immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies directed against regulatory pathways in T lymphocytes has been revolutionizing medical oncology, and the clinical success of monoclonal antibodies targeting either cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) or program death-1 (PD-1) in patients affected by melanoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and head and neck, bladder, renal cell or non-small cell lung cancer is way beyond the most optimistic expectation. However, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has failed to arrest progression in a consistent amount of patients affected by those tumors, and various histological types, including breast, colon and prostate cancer, are less sensitive to this therapeutic approach. Such clinical findings have fueled massive research efforts in the attempt to identify pre-existing and acquired mechanisms of resistance to ICB. Read More

Curr Treat Options Oncol 2017 07;18(7):40

Department of Radiation Oncology, The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, RM 7-323, 700 University Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1Z5, Canada.

Opinion Statement: The main purpose of the TNM system is to provide an anatomic-based classification to adequately depict cancer prognosis. Accurate cancer staging is important for treatment selection and outcome prediction, research design, and cancer control activities. To maintain clinical relevance, periodical updates to TNM are necessary. Read More

J Cutan Pathol 2017 Aug 13;44(8):684-691. Epub 2017 Jun 13.

Department of Pathology, Dermatopathology Section, The University of Texas MD, Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.

Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but aggressive cutaneous carcinoma. MCC typically involves dermis and although epidermotropism has been reported, MCC strictly intraepidermal or in situ (MCCIS) is exceedingly rare. Most of the cases of MCCIS described so far have other associated lesions, such as squamous or basal cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis and so on. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2017 Jul 9;77(1):142-148.e1. Epub 2017 May 9.

Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Australia; University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Department of Radiation Oncology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia. Electronic address:

Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon radiosensitive, neuroendocrine malignancy. Treatment often involves surgery; however, older, sicker patients may not be candidates for an operation. Institutions have published data favoring the role of definitive radiotherapy for macroscopic locoregional disease. Read More

Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2017 Jun 8;7(2):249-254. Epub 2017 May 8.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Bielefeld University Hospital, Teutoburger Strasse 50, 33604, Bielefeld, Germany.

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) alone is thought to cause ~610,000 cases of cancer per year, and is the dominant aetiological agent for ano-genital (esp. cervical) and head and neck cancers (esp. oropharyngeal). Read More

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2017 Jul 7;70(7):922-930. Epub 2017 Apr 7.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Beaumont, Dublin 9, Ireland. Electronic address:

Renal transplantation is the most frequently performed transplant procedure. Immunosuppressive therapies have dramatically increased survival rates in transplant recipients but are associated with an increased risk of skin cancers. Recent changes in immunosuppressive strategies have been adopted with the aim of reducing this challenging adverse effect. Read More

Head Neck 2017 07 29;39(7):1371-1377. Epub 2017 Mar 29.

Department of Radiation Oncology, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.

Background: Head and neck Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is commonly treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for high-risk features. The optimal radiation dose is unknown.

Methods: One thousand six hundred twenty-five eligible patients with head and neck MCC were identified in the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB). Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2017 Apr;76(4):591-607

Department of Dermatology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.

When treating aggressive skin cancers, pre- and postoperative imaging provides important information for treatment planning and multidisciplinary cooperation of care. It is important for dermatologists to recognize the clinical scenarios where imaging is indicated in the management of skin cancer. We here address the most common indications for imaging in cutaneous oncology and how to best utilize the modalities available. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2017 Apr;76(4):579-588

Department of Dermatology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Electronic address:

While uncomplicated cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer can be treated with surgery, destruction, or topical therapy alone, advanced or neglected cases require more complex management decisions. Dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons should be familiar with the imaging techniques relevant to cutaneous oncology and their value in different clinical scenarios. Herein we review imaging modalities used in management of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Read More

Radiother Oncol 2017 04 8;123(1):154-157. Epub 2017 Mar 8.

Radiation Oncology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Germany.

Purpose: To develop a technique for radiation (RT) of in-transit path ways (IT) in Merkel cell carcinoma.

Method: In the planning study, IT were ink-marked on the skin during sentinel lymphscintigraphy and wire-marked in planning-CT. Pre- and post-operative planning-CTs were acquired. Read More

Head Neck Pathol 2017 Mar 28;11(1):48-54. Epub 2017 Feb 28.

Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.

The World Health Organization (WHO) 2017 Classification of Head and Neck Tumors ("Blue Book") will now include a new chapter on tumors and tumor-like lesions of the neck and lymph nodes, which was not included in the previous edition. Tumors and tumor-like lesions, including a variety of cysts and metastases, can arise in any component in the neck, including soft tissue, lymph nodes, and developmental remnants. The pathology and clinical features of metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary in the head and neck has changed dramatically in the last several years. Read More

Am J Dermatopathol 2017 Mar;39(3):208-211

*Department of Pathology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA; †Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Department of Dermatology, Sunset Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA; and ‡Department of Pathology, Kaiser Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Los Angeles, CA.

The authors present a case of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) with unique immunohistochemical staining characteristics. A 57-year-old woman presented with a firm 0.3 cm tan papule on her left nasal-labial fold that was reportedly increasing in size and bleeding. Read More